Re:Ask HN: Who here has built a profitable startup while kee...
by swat535 on Wednesday September 26, 2018 @05:11PM
(#18080331)
Fully agree with this, as I pointed out down the thread.
It would be foolish to think you can run a business without legal protection.
That shouldn't prevent one from chasing their dreams though. I think OP's message paint a darker than necessary paint regarding this.
(Source Currently doing this with a lawyer as a cofounder)
Re:Ask HN: Who here has built a profitable startup while kee...
by ryandrake on Wednesday September 26, 2018 @06:10PM
(#18080683)
Yea I feel bad that ”tread carefully and read your legal agreement” turned out to be so controversial that it derailed an otherwise interesting Ask HN :(
Re:Ask HN: Who here has built a profitable startup while kee...
by swingline-747 on Wednesday September 26, 2018 @05:57PM
(#18080610)
IANAL but I would ping WSGR, F&W, Orrick... and be sure first that they're not representing your current employer.
Definitely build things on your own equipment, using different technologies, on your own time and nowhere near said company.
In California, noncompetes are rarely enforceable... but again IANAL and do you own homework.
!!!!! If there is serious money at stake, or a reasonable prospect of serious money at stake for you, use some of that money to pay a lawyer admitted in your jurisdiction and familiar with the law on IP agreements and nocompetes to look at the agreement and advise you. It really won't cost all that much for a consultation and a bit of contract reading just to see where you stand. Then make a decision. !!!!!
(Source: IAAL (law professor actually), though I don't currently practice and am almost certainly not admitted in your jurisdiction.)